Amy Calandra: A Colorist at Heart
Virginia-based artist Amy Calandra is a vibrant force, translating her passion for color, form, texture, and pattern into captivating works. Rather than relying solely on brushes, Amy "draws" her imagery, employing a diverse palette of mediums – artist crayons, graphite, chalk, pastels, gold leaf, and acrylic paints – to create dynamic compositions. Her artistic process is inherently organic, embracing the unexpected and resulting in a unique and vibrant aesthetic.
Beyond her traditional canvas and paper works, Amy is a dedicated collector of vintage and antique artifacts. She breathes new life into these treasures through her signature upcycling technique. With meticulous restoration, the integration of unique, hand-made materials, and innovative framing techniques, Amy creates wall art that seamlessly blends the charm of the past with contemporary flair.
Amy Calandra's artistic journey is deeply rooted in her education: she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art and Art History, as well as a Bachelor's of Science in Housing and Interior Design. This multifaceted background has fueled her entrepreneurial spirit, leading her to establish several successful art-based businesses. Her most recent venture, Findings Art Gallery, serves as a platform for emerging artists nationwide while showcasing her own extensive and impressive collection.